Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-04-12

on the sleepers when ran down the track
:, 1t is not severe, and III sit up"
They were greatly pleased to see her
recover, quiet buzz of conversation filled
the room. How did che know itp How
could she tell the special was chasing US
Good heavens! If she had not known it,
what an awful loss of life there would
have been. 1t was very careless in the
superintendent to follow our train IN
such a reckless manner.
you feel better. my dear" said the
president.
Yes, sir, thank you, I'm sure I'm thank
full. | knew John, | mean the engine
was coming"
You cannot be more grateful than we
are to you for averting such disastrous
collision
I'm sure, am pleased. SIT. never
thought the telegraph"
She paused abruptly.
"What telegraph ?"
"I'd rather not tell. sir"
But you will tell US how you knew the
engine was coming? ~
"Must you know? ?"
"We ought to know in order to reward
you properly"
She put up her hand in gesture OF re-
fusal, and was silent. The president and
directors consulted together. and two of
them came to her and briefly said they
would be glad to know how she had been
made aware of the approaching danger.
"Well, sir. if John is willing, | will tell
YOU ALL" John Mills, the engineer, was
called, and he came in, cap in hand.
and the entire company gathered round in
the greatest eag1rness.
Without the slightest affectation. she
put her hand on Johns grimy arm. and
said:
to know about it. 1t saved their lives,
they say "
''And mine. too" said John, reverentlv
"You had best tell them, or let me -
She sat down again, and then and there
John explained how the open circuit line
had been built, how it was used. and
frankly told why it had been erected.
| Never did story create profounder SEN
sation. The gentlemen shook hands with
him, and the president actually kissed her
for the company. A real corporation kiss,
loud and hearty. The ladies fell upon her
neck, and actually cried over the splendid
girl. Even the children pulled her dress.
and put up their arms about her neck, and
kissed away the happy tears that covered
her cheeks.
Poor child! She was covered with con-
fusion, and knew not what to say or to do,
and looked imploringly to John. He drew
near, and proudly took her hand in his.
and she brushed away the tears and
smiled.
The gentlemen suddenly seemed to
have found something vastly interesting
to talk about for they gathered in a knot
in the corner of the room, Presently the
president said cloud:
"Gentlemen and directors. YOU must
pardon me, and trust the ladies will do
the same. if l call you to order for a
brief matter OF business"
| There was a sudden hush. and the room
now packed to suffocation, was painfully
quiet.
The secretary will please take minutes
of this meeting"
The secretary sat down at kate's desk,
and there was little pause.
"Mr. President
Every eye was turned to corner where
gray-haired gentleman had mounted a
chair.
"Mr President"
"Mr. Graves, director for the state,
gentlemen"
~ beg leave, sir, to offer resolution. :"
Then he began to read from slip of
paper.
"Whereas, John Mills, engineer of
engine 49,, of this railway line. erected
| a private telegraph; and whereas, he.
with the assistance of the telegraph oper
ator of this station q leave a blank for
name), used the said line without the cor
sent of this company, and for other than
railway business;
1t is resolved that he be suspended
permanently from his position as engi-
neer, and that the said operator be re-
quested to resign,-'
A murmer of disapprobation filled the
| room, but the president demanded silence
and the state director went on.
"--resign her place.
1t is further resolved, and is hereby
ordered, that the said John Mills be and
is appointed chief engineer of the new
repair shops at Slawson.'
A tremendous cheer broke from the
company, and the resolution was passed
with a shout of assent
How 1t all ended they never knew. 1t
seemed like dream, and they could not
believe true till they stood alone in the
winters night on the track beside tha,
glorious $50" The few cars the engine
had brought up had been joined to the
train, and "59" had been rolled out on
the siding. With many hand shakings
for John, and many kisses for Kate and a
round of parting cheers for the two, the
train had sped away The idlers had dis
persed, and none fingered about the aban-
doned station save the lonngers .59''
would stay that night on the siding, and
they had walked up the track to bid it a
long farewell.
For few moments they stood in the
glow OF the great lamp, and then he
quietly put it out, and left the giant t.
breathe away its fiery life in gentle clouds
OF white steam. AS for the lovers, they
had no need of its light. The winters
stars shone upon them, and the calm
cold night seemed paradise below.